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DUI Penalties

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DUI penalties need to be broken up to misdemeanor and felony.
Both versions include a fine, generally up to $2500 in California after court fees.
Both versions result in a court imposed class, and the DMV also requires this class.
Both versions result in other penalties like Alcoholic Anonymous meetings, or MADD classes.
Both versions can result in an ignition interlock device (some call this a "Blow and Drive")
Both versions will likely result in probation.

1. Probation in a misdemeanor is not generally formal probation. It means you cannot get in trouble again for several years, or you will have heightened penalties.
2. Probation in a felony is generally formal probation, where you are required to meet with a probation officer weekly or monthly for the duration of your probation. You will also have to submit to any drug or alcohol tests the officer requires, many times these tests are a surprise.

Both versions can result in jail.

1. Jail in a misdemeanor is no more than a year, and in many cases no jail is required for a first time DUI if you have a lawyer.
2. Jail in a felony will depend on how serious the felony is. I have seen as little as a month, and as much as 12 to life in a case defended by another local attorney.
3. Jail with prior convictions, most courts will impose jail of at least 96 hours if there is a prior valid conviction. Some cases result in much more than 96 hours if there is extenuating circumstances.
4. Jail with prior felony, in these cases an attorney is most likely performing damage control. These cases are rarely dismissed even with a valid defense, and a person charged with this NEEDS a lawyer immediately in my opinion.

These penalties can be SEVERE, Which is why I suggest hiring an attorney sooner than later.

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